epistemology

n. (Philosophy) branch of philosophy dealing with the origins nature and extent of human knowledge

"Theory of knowledge" redirects here: for other uses, see theory of knowledge (disambiguation) Epistemology or theory of knowledge is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, methods, limitations, and validity of knowledge and belief. The term "epistemology" is based on the Greek words " or episteme" (knowledge or science) and "λόγος or logos" (reason). It was introduced into English by the Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier (1808-1864). Much of the debate in this field has focused on analyzing the nature of knowledge and how it relates to similar notions such as truth, belief, and justification. It also deals with the means of production of knowledge, as well as skepticism about different knowledge claims. In other words, epistemology primarily addresses the following questions: "What is knowledge?", "How is knowledge acquired?", and "What do people know?"
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(n.)
The theory or science of the method or grounds of knowledge.
  

A major branch of philosophy that concerns the forms, nature, and preconditions of knowledge .
<Discussion > <References> Pete Mandik

the theory of knowledge, esp. validity, methods and scope (see metaphysics).